General Cycling Discussion - Bad time to buy a bike?

I'm new to cycling. I've seen one or two posts saying it's a bad time to be buying a bike. Is it because it's Spring and demand is high? A nearby LBS knocked $100 off MSRP when I asked about a bike he'd have to order for me. Larger stores in the area quoted me MSRP over the phone.

Will shops flex more towards the summer, or is it only a cold-month thing? Or just a myth?

it is never a bad time to buy. if you are buying used, college kids are dumping their bikes around now.

just know the market value of the bike you want and try to get a deal.

You also might be able to get a deal on last years model still. Always a good time to buy and your LBS thanks you.

I'd just go with the local little guy who already is dealin.........

Any time is good to buy a bike. Cyclocross season is not long ended so there may be some used ones going. There may still be some deals on lasst years models, but they may not be left in your size. It doesnt matter how cheap it is - it is not a deal if it doesnt fit. Talk to the shop owner, you may be able to get a deal on accessories if you dont get one on the bike. A knowledgable and helpful bike shop is very valuable, particularly if it is conveniently located. Good luck.

At this time of year, a shop can get you what you want, in the size you need. The new year models are just out. From late August on, sales are everywhere, but they will only be for inventory on hand. The store may not be able to get one in your size. bk

i wouldn't reccomend buying used unless you are mechanically inclined.
used bikes, unless you are lucky and get one that was lightly used, might mean parts are soon to breakdown, such as the cluster, or derailleur.
i would just go to a trusty lbs and tell the people there what you are looking for. anyway i did that in march of 09 at my lbs and they sold me a redline hybrid that retailed for 400 plus for only three hundred dollars when i told them i was looking to spend only three hundred on a bike.

The LBS 20 miles away just emailed me back to tell me he has a 61cm Z85 in stock.

I'm not a fan of buying used stuff. I just like knowing where stuff has been. I'm even uneasy about shop owners offering me bikes in their shops when I know countless others have been in the store and ridden them.

If I were to buy a bike from the floor, is it okay for me to ask for a new saddle or handlebars? I've seen a lot of bikes with really worn handles and saddles.

If I was buying anything new, I would ask that anything not perfect be replaced first.

If I were to buy a bike from the floor, is it okay for me to ask for a new saddle or handlebars? I've seen a lot of bikes with really worn handles and saddles.
The bikes on the floor are for sale, not just show. When new bikes come in the owner assembles bikes in the sizes that s/he is in need of on the floor.
If you want to swap saddles, handlebars, or almost anything else on the bike, expect to pay full price.

I know they're for sale. I just view them as used. I thought I'd be paying full price anyway. Apparently they aren't?

They are still new just test ridden. My LBS had a bike for me to test ride then got a new one (unridden) for me. If you expect to walk out the door with a bike then you will probably get the floor model. If you are willing to wait then you may get a new one.

I know they're for sale. I just view them as used. I thought I'd be paying full price anyway. Apparently they aren't?

do you view new cars as used too?

do you view new cars as used too?
Never shopped for a new car, but I suppose I would. Maybe someday I'll have the money to order a shiny new car.

What are you trying to accomplish?

If your objective is to get the lowest possible price, May probably isn't the best month to buy.
If your goal is to maximize the amount of fun that you have on your new bicycle, the sooner you buy one and can start riding, the better.